LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Franklin Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 46, 24 April 1942, Page 2

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

CONSUMPTION OF LIQUOR

Sir, —A feature which distinguishes the urge of the present time for some reform in our liquor laws differs from former periods of agitation. There are abundant signs that, as a result of experience gained, those who have been long engaged in some reform movement of a limited or restricted nature, are rapidly beginning to see the essential unity of all social questions, and the futility of forcing reform in one direction without a corresponding advance of all the parts of the social mechanism. In another respect, too, a change has come over the methods of the sectional and the general social reformer, he has begun to see the need for finding out causes, instead of spending his time and energy in dealing with results. The increasing recognition of the unity of the problems is illustrated by the change of attitude and methods which has come over the greatest of the sectional reform movements in recent years, namely the "Temperance Party.” Once the whole question of poverty was explained by the temperance advocates by the one word "drink.” but without in any way weakening the strength of the temperance case its advocates now realise that the problem of poverty is not capable of such a simple explanation. nor can it be solved by the simple expedient of universal abstinence from liquor. These changes of ideas are of the utmost importance. It is a revolution. It is stirring every class. It is changing old faiths. It is transforming the character of politics and political life, giving new aims and new ideas. The impelling force of this new movement is ethical. But

the guiding and restraining control is a knowledge that the industrial system is at fault. But as yet no party, no creed, no organisation, confines or expresses the breadth and volume and power of this world-wide movement. The liquor problem is so much wrapped into our industrial system, that any attempt to reduce its influence, by a reduction of the alcoholic content, to half, would have the effect only of bringing a smile to the brewer, and discomfort to those who had to drink double the amount to obtain the same “kick.” I have always regarded alcohol as a means of escape or “funk hole.” and being of a humane turn of mind. I suggest that the alcoholic content be increased to double: this, if adopted, would allow the victim to get it over in half the time. There is a war on.'why not double up?— T am, etc.,

CAM BELOE Patumahoe, April 20, 1942.